06-06-2024, 05:01 PM in response to #51065
So, squad done. I'd have preffered Brainthwaite over Dunk and Gomez nowhere near. But, our lack of options at left back makes him kind of necessary.
I love the Wharton pick...when I did my predicted squad a month or ao ago he was nowhere near. But, his rise has been rapid. He only signed for Palace on Feb 1st but was a key part of their brilliant end of season form. Suddenly having Mainoo and Wharton as young options in midfield is promising for the future...and probably the now as its possible Mainoo is favoured over Gallagher next to Rice.
My biggest concern with the England team, other than the injury concerns in defence (and a lack of top level experience), is Foden will likely start on the left which means we neee width from the left back. That means we absolutely have to get Shaw fit as we won't get width from Trippier or Gomez there. So, if he is out i'd sacrifice Bellingham at 10, moving him back next to Rice, and then i'd move Foden to 10 and play Gordon or Saka on the left. Gordon is very direct with his running in behind. Saka I believe can play there as he's as comfortable coming inside as he us going outside. That also means we can get Palmer in the team on the right.
So, my lines ups:
If Shaw is fit:
Pickford
Walker
Guehi
Stones
Shaw
Rice
Mainoo
Foden
Saka
Kane
If Shaw isn't fit:
Pickford
Walker
Guehi
Stones
Trippier
Rice
Bellingham
Foden
Sake
Palmer
Kane
I love the Wharton pick...when I did my predicted squad a month or ao ago he was nowhere near. But, his rise has been rapid. He only signed for Palace on Feb 1st but was a key part of their brilliant end of season form. Suddenly having Mainoo and Wharton as young options in midfield is promising for the future...and probably the now as its possible Mainoo is favoured over Gallagher next to Rice.
My biggest concern with the England team, other than the injury concerns in defence (and a lack of top level experience), is Foden will likely start on the left which means we neee width from the left back. That means we absolutely have to get Shaw fit as we won't get width from Trippier or Gomez there. So, if he is out i'd sacrifice Bellingham at 10, moving him back next to Rice, and then i'd move Foden to 10 and play Gordon or Saka on the left. Gordon is very direct with his running in behind. Saka I believe can play there as he's as comfortable coming inside as he us going outside. That also means we can get Palmer in the team on the right.
So, my lines ups:
If Shaw is fit:
Pickford
Walker
Guehi
Stones
Shaw
Rice
Mainoo
Foden
Saka
Kane
If Shaw isn't fit:
Pickford
Walker
Guehi
Stones
Trippier
Rice
Bellingham
Foden
Sake
Palmer
Kane